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HIMALAYAN MOUNTAIN BIKES | |
| 16th March 2000 | On
arriving in Kathmandu one of our most pressing thoughts is how on earth
we are going to make the politically sensitive next stretch of the ride
into Tibet. We have every chance of being turned back at the border and
to cross independently in the current political climate is virtually
impossible. In order to help us over this problem we enlist the assistance of Peter Stewart - of Himalayan Mountain Bikes - who has years of experience in dealing with the local authorities - and who also runs a mountain bike adventure from Lhasa to Kathmandu entitled 'The Longest Downhill in the World' - check out the website for more info - http://www.bikingnepal.com/. This turns out to be the very reverse of our intended route - ie we shall be tackling the Longest Uphill Ride in the World!! Peter is very helpful in organising and advising on our visas, permits and in arranging for our guide, driver and vehicle. We shall be tackling the next stretch with a support vehicle - not that we are comfortable with this as a way of travelling but because without the guide and the organised tour status the Expedition could be halted in its tracks. Therefore we shall cycle - Richard, Andrew, Tim, Nick, and Richard Scriven, from Kathmandu to Lhasa - whilst our vehicle transports our guide, Nadine and a few titbits of food for our evening stops. This is clearly an expensive way to tackle this stretch of our route - but it seems - in the face of the Chinese Authorities - the most likely way of passing through Tibet and keeping hold of our equipment, money and bicycles. Check out Trailblazers - Asia Overland Book for more information on this stretch and you will read of horror stories of pristine western mountain bikes proudly on display after their confiscation - we pray there will not be another 5 Saracen Expedition Bikes to join them!! Himalayan Mountain Bikes have also provided excellent workshop facilities and advice on the route to Lhasa. Thanks to Peter, Ranjan, and Tillac - here's hoping for a successful crossing into Tibet. |